The annual Baby2Baby gala took place at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, serving as a crucial event aimed at supporting children in need. This year’s gala highlighted a pressing urgency, reflecting the ongoing recovery efforts after devastating wildfires that left many families without essential resources. The non-profit organization assists over a million children each year and has distributed more than 30 million emergency supplies, including food, diapers, and formula, to those affected by recent tragedies.
Celebrating Serena Williams’ contributions
The evening featured a notable tribute to tennis icon Serena Williams, who was honored with the prestigious Giving Tree Award. This accolade recognizes individuals demonstrating outstanding dedication to enhancing the lives of children worldwide. Alicia Keys, a close friend of Williams, presented the award, highlighting her diverse roles as an entrepreneur, mother, and advocate for maternal health.
Star-studded support at the Baby2Baby gala
The Baby2Baby gala in 2025 attracted a host of celebrities, including Kerry Washington, Jessica Alba, and Lizzo, who united to champion the organization’s mission. The event successfully raised over $18 million, attributed to the generosity of private donors and the auctioning of exquisite art pieces. Notable contributors such as Tyler Perry and Paris Hilton made significant donations, underscoring the widespread support for initiatives dedicated to assisting families in need.
Addressing maternal health issues
In her acceptance speech, Williams emphasized the crucial role of Baby2Baby and commended the organization for its commitment to maternal health. Her personal experience with life-threatening complications during childbirth has fueled her advocacy for enhanced support for mothers. “After becoming a mother, my understanding of the challenges families face deepened immensely,” she stated. Williams’ advocacy is not limited to recognition; she actively calls for measures to ensure that all mothers receive the essential care and support they need.
Community response and support
Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein expressed pride in honoring Williams, highlighting her dedication to the mission of Baby2Baby. The organization has distributed over half a billion items, underscoring the ongoing need for support, especially following the recent wildfires that displaced numerous families. “We’ve learned that anyone can be in need, and our community has come together to provide help,” Weinstein remarked, emphasizing the resilience shown by those affected.
Impact of the gala and future initiatives
Guests experienced a culinary journey featuring dishes crafted by esteemed chefs from some of Los Angeles’ top restaurants. This year’s gala not only aimed to generate funds but also served as a reminder of the vital role participants play in supporting vulnerable communities. Throughout the evening, many attendees expressed sentiments of unity and emphasized the necessity for continued assistance to families in need.
As the event drew to a close, attention turned to the future of Baby2Baby. Plans were announced for a new national headquarters in Santa Monica, which is expected to significantly increase the organization’s capacity to assist more families. This commitment to long-term recovery underscores Baby2Baby’s dedication to ensuring that no child or mother faces their challenges alone.
The Baby2Baby gala honored distinguished individuals, including Serena Williams, while emphasizing the importance of supporting children and families in need. The event promoted a spirit of generosity and highlighted the necessity of vital resources, reinforcing the belief that every child deserves an opportunity to thrive.